2007 Season Report

Introduction

The 2007 field season lasted six weeks, from 27 May to 8 July.45 people were involved, of whom 30 were divers.64 items were recovered (see Annex 1 below).An accumulation of sand across the centre of the site and a period of sustained poor weather, made this the most difficult season since work began on the wreck in the early 1990s.

Objectives

The aims of the season were:

a)To continue with the programme of trenching that began in 2005 along the base-line between Datum N and Cannon 1.The purpose of this was to gather data on the extent, nature, disposition and state of preservation of the remains beneath the sand.

b)To continue the programme of sea-bottom conservation on the heavy ordnance.This would involve the replacement of anodes on cannon G1 and G6, and the attachment of an anode to G4.

c)To excavate around cannon G3, G4, and G6 in preparation for the possible lifting of one or two cannon in 2008.

d)To continue the survey of the peripheral zones, particularly to the west.

With regard to recoveries.The terms-of-reference for the season allowed for the removal of ceramic, stone and lead remains, but not materials of an organic of ferrous nature.It was recognized, however, that in exceptional circumstances, the latter might be recovered as long as the excavation director, the conservator, the AMT treasurer and the General Services Committee of the States of Alderney were in full agreement.

Operations

As usual, for planning and logistical reasons, the six week season was divided into three phases each of two weeks.Once fieldwork begins, these phases usually merge into one another, but this year there were major operational differences between them which makes it necessary that each phase be treated as a separate unit.

Phase 1 (27 May to 10 June)

The remains of the wreck are situated within a large, constantly moving sandbank.Sometimes, as in 2006, the mobile nature of the seabed helps operations, at other times it hinders.This year the first divers found a large drift of sand across the centre of the site which was so deep that it completely covered cannon G4 and G6, and Grid 7-9 m on the base line between Datum N and G1. Against such an overburden the mini-airlifts proved fairly ineffective.Although cannon 4 was found and partially uncovered, the depth of the dune made it impossible to locate cannon G6, which was a concern as it was necessary to ascertain the state of the anode which had been attached to it during the 2006 season.

Grid 7-9 m, which had not been completed in 2006, was also located but little impression was made on it because of the sand.However, several new unattached timbers were exposed and the sand bags which had been put there to protect the grid at the end of the 2006 season, were found to have performed their purpose.

A detailed examination of cannon G3 was carried out by Chief Diver Roy Restell.G3 has been a source of major concern, ever since it was found to have a number of important artefacts concreted to it.No evidence of vandalism was found.G3 is the most valuable item on the site, and priority must be given to its recovery before there is any theft or damage by rogue divers.To clear the immediate area of remains and establish how the gun might best be slung for lifting in 2008, a new 2 x 2 m grid (designated G3C1) was installed beside its breech (for precise position, see dive-log 2007/32).Grid G3C1 was found to be rich in small concretions and pottery fragments, confirming the view that the cannon tend to act as barriers to the smaller artefacts as they migrate around the site within the sand.

The anode on G1 was found to be completely spent and was replaced.

In summary, because of seabed conditions and the small size of the team, little progress was made during this phase.

Phase 2 (10 June to 24 June)

The second phase, by contrast with what went before and that which came later, was a period of exceptional achievement.This was made possible by the arrival of the Cdt Fourcault (gross tonnage 557, length 55 m) a registered ‘search and survey’ ship under the command of its owner, Pim de Rhoodes.The vessel, which is Belgian flagged, was fitted out for scientific diving and carried the latest in magnetometer and side-scan technology.

Despite poor weather, during the time the Cdt Fourcoult was with the project (13 – 23 June), productivity was higher than at any time since work began in the early 1990s.This was for five reasons.First, the addition of the Belgian divers who came with the ship more than doubled the size of the team; second, the sophisticated diving equipment that the vessel carried (rebreathers and nitrox units) permitted longer bottom-times; third, the presence of the ship over the site provided a level of safety-cover that allowed divers to enter the water in conditions which would normally have halted operations; fourth, with the ship on permanent station over the wreck, the team was able to exploit every diving opportunity and even dive at night; fifth, the vessel carried aquascooters, the prop-wash from which was used in specified areas to blow away the overburden.This could be done in a controlled manner by either changing gear or altering the distance between the propeller and the seabed.

The method used to deploy and recover divers from the ship is worth describing, as it is believed that this is the first time such a system has been used in maritime archaeology.Divers would enter the sea by jumping from the ship’s side; once in the water they were transported to the down-line on a sledge that was towed behind one of the ship’s two ribs.On their return to surface, the divers were towed by sledge back to the ship.Once beside the vessel they would roll off the sledge and swim into a ‘stage’ that had been lowered into the water by a hydraulic crane.Once the divers were in a standing position within the stage, they were winched back on to the main-deck.The speed and simplicity of the method minimized waiting times, physical effort and exposure to cold, all of which have a significant cumulative effect on the team when operating from small boats out of the harbour.

During this period cannon 6 was quickly located and, along with cannon 4 and 5, was fully exposed and excavated. Observations were taken on how these cannon might eventually be moved without risk of damage to any artefacts attached to them.

The area between cannon G3 and G5 was also excavated resulting in the discovery of a very small wooden flask for priming powder (1507).Because of its delicate nature it was recovered for conservation.A musket and breastplate were also found; these were reburied on the seabed as their conservation was a complex matter that required thought and discussion.During the course of excavating between G3 and G5, it was found that the distance between the two guns had altered since measurements were first taken in the 1990s.Some of the guns are resting on sand rather than bedrock, and thus, with the kind of severe scouring that sometimes occurs, it is perhaps not surprising that, over time, there is some movement.

Elsewhere on the site, in addition to the usual sherds and concretions, an apostle, a helmet, a possible piece of bar shot (or expanding shot) and the remains of the bosun’s pipe was found.The latter featured a curved tube that was reminiscent of an example found on theMary Rose.

The excavation of Grid 9 – 7 m along base-line N/G1 was also completed, as was the area adjacent, Grid 7 – 5 m.Exploratory work was also conducted within this general zone that demonstrated an increase in the density of wreck remains (particularly broken timbers) as one moves along the base-line towards G1.This area of concentration spreads crescent-like along the northern perimeter, 6 to 8 m either side of the base line.The depth and full nature of the timbers and other remains within this area have not yet been determined, but for the first time a picture is beginning to emerge of the distribution of materials beneath the sand.Clearly this is an area which contains much information that is essential for the progress of the project.

Phase 3 (24 June to 8 July)

The final phase, from beginning to end, was characterized by persistent bad weather.Only three dives were possible, during which nothing of significance was achieved. Because of conditions it was impossible to attach an anode to cannon G4.

Summary of results

A total of 64 artefacts were recovered the great majority of which were pottery fragments.A further 12 items were tagged and left in the depot on the seabed.The positions of all the recovered artefacts were plotted on to the site-plan.The most notable recoveries of the season were:deadeye (1504), small wooden powder flask (1507) and the remains of a bosun’s pipe (1501).

1488 – Four-sided lead patch, damaged at one corner.Along all edges, perforations from small, square nails (4 x 4 mm).Six perforations on each of the two intact sides.165 x 178 mm.

Bosun’s pipe

1501 –Copper alloy pipe capped at one end; opposite end crushed. ‘Collar’ at capped end with the remains of an attached feature.Two pairs of incised lines around the body of the pipe.Length 112 mm.Diameter of the pipe 6.5 mm.Diameter of collar 9 mm.

Powder flask

1507 – Small wooded flask for priming powder.Half enveloped in concretion.In profile, flat bottom with concave sides that converge on a neck (outside dimensions, 23 x 27 mm) that is missing its metal cap and spout.Holes for attaching the cap survive on both sides of the neck.One lower corner missing.Some damage to neck.Height 83 mm.Thickness at base 30 mm, diminishing to 23 mm at neck.

Copyright

The data and digital images of artefacts contained within this website and its accompanying database are the copyright of the Alderney Maritime Trust.
They can be reproduced without permission for study or personal use and for educational displays or programmes within schools. Where practical, with an acknowledgement of the Alderney Maritime Trust.
They may not be copied or reproduced, in any form, for publication or commercial purposes without the written permission of the Alderney Maritime Trust.
You may not distribute, or otherwise disseminate, the data or images contained within this website and its accompanying database, without making clear to the receiver the license terms and copyright provisos described above.